Home / Disasters and Accidents / Loose Dog Triggers Panic, Kills Pony
Loose Dog Triggers Panic, Kills Pony
8 Sep
Summary
- A pony died after being chased by a dog.
- The horse suffered a severe leg injury and was euthanized.
- Dog-related incidents are a growing concern for New Forest commoners.
A five-year-old New Forest pony named Bessie was euthanized on Friday, September 5, 2026, following severe injuries sustained the previous day. The mare was found with a broken leg near Beaulieu, an injury believed to be the result of slipping while fleeing from a loose dog.
Honor Dovey-Humble, Bessie's owner, reported that a neighbour had seen a large, muzzled dog running loose among grazing ponies at Culverly. The horses were described as stampeding in panic. With no bite marks or evidence of a vehicle collision, it was concluded that Bessie was injured while trying to escape the dog.
Dovey-Humble expressed that while road accidents are a constant worry for commoners, loose dogs have become a "massive issue" with serious consequences. Bessie was one of over 20 ponies owned by her family, who manage the New Forest's free-roaming animals.
The incident occurred after reports of horses stampeding near Beaulieu on Thursday evening, September 4, 2026. This tragic event highlights a growing concern for the safety of the New Forest's commoners' animals.
